Southern California -- this just in

Crews battle brush fire that threatens structures near Perris

Fire crews in Riverside County were battling a brush fire Monday afternoon that was threatening structures near Perris, officials said.

The blaze had scorched about five acres of vegetation after breaking out about 2:30 p.m. near Garza and Yucca Roads, the Riverside County Fire Department said.

Firefighters were able to beat back flames that were approaching a UC Riverside education facility.

About 60 firefighters on the ground were being aided by an air attack that included one water-dropping helicopter and four tanker planes, officials said. The California Highway Patrol was closing Old Elsinore Road, which is adjacent to the fire.

The temperature was 95 degrees, officials said, and the relative humidity was 16%. Winds were about 8 mph.